Dad Goes By The Book

DEAR ABBY Syndicated Columnist

July 14, 1995|DEAR ABBY

Dear Abby: I am the mother of two daughters, ages 2 and 4, and the wife of a man whose main interests are television, hunting and fishing. He loves his children, but spends very little time developing his relationship with the girls.

A wonderful thing happened a few months ago. I am a firm believer that a child's education is not the sole responsibility of the school, so I took my girls to the library (their first visit), and we brought home an armful of books on animals. They started asking questions about the books. The next thing I knew, the girls were sitting in my husband's lap, and he was reading to them.

Much to my surprise, this has resulted in less television and a much-improved relationship between the girls and their dad. Now he reads to them every night! (He has even taken them to the library.) A further benefit is that it has renewed my husband's interest in reading as well.

Keep reminding your readers how important reading is. Some television is educational, but selective reading can be far more beneficial. - A Rewarded Reader, Fresno, Calif.

Dear Reader: May I quote myself? "If I could give young people one piece of advice, it would be, read, read, read! In reading, you will open up new worlds, real and imagined. Read for information, read for pleasure. Our libraries are filled with knowledge and joy, and it's all there - free for the taking. The person who DOES NOT read is no better off than the person who CANNOT read."- 1960

Dear Abby: My only daughter died of breast cancer. She was 36. A month later, when I went to my doctor for a routine checkup, I mentioned that my daughter had died last month, and I was still grieving for her. My doctor said (and I quote him verbatim), "I know exactly how you feel; I had to have one of my little dogs put to sleep last month."Needless to say, I changed doctors. - Appalled in Seattle

Dear Appalled: Your doctor - like many others - regards his pets as his children. Although he was very insensitive, he meant no harm. Forgive him.

Dear Abby: In a recent column, you advised readers not to put gifts in a box from a fancy store.

Years ago, I received a box of Godiva chocolates. I hid the box until I could enjoy them quietly by myself; I settled in with pillows and a book. When I opened the box, it contained a pair of socks. I still feel the disappointment. - Pam Reithmaier, St. Petersburg